Ellsworth offers a variety of discoveries: trails through forests and protected areas, historical collections, and a look at salmon farming. This lets you choose a focus for your stay—spend time outdoors, explore local history, or combine both interests. Some of the destinations described are in Ellsworth, while others are nearby.
Trails and scenery at Woodlawn and Birdsacre
The trails at Woodlawn are used for walking, running, ungroomed cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Which activity is suitable also depends on the season and conditions at the time. Woodlawn Park is open every day, year-round, from sunrise to sunset; it is still a good idea to check the opening hours shortly before your visit. The Black House is part of the site’s historic character: it contains all of its original furnishings and collections.
At Birdsacre, forest streams and fern-lined slopes shape the landscape. The sanctuary covers 200 acres and has six miles of interconnected nature trails. In summer, 45-minute tours are offered to meet some of its “Ambassadors.” This is a seasonal offering, so check the current schedule if you would like to plan a tour. The Victorian Homestead also houses a museum featuring glass-plate photographs by Cordelia J. Stanwood. Along with its nature trails, Birdsacre therefore offers a way to explore the history of the house and of photography.
Historical collections and telecommunications
At Woodlawn and Birdsacre, you will encounter different forms of historical heritage: the Black House preserves its original furnishings and collections, while the Victorian Homestead houses Cordelia J. Stanwood’s glass-plate photographs as a museum. These two collections differ both in their contents and in their connection to the respective houses.
The Telephone Museum is dedicated to the history of telecommunications. Its extensive collection includes switchboards, switching equipment, telephones, tools, wiring diagrams, and photographs. The exhibition thus features both technical devices and tools, as well as visual material about the history of telecommunications. Visitors can also learn how to work as a telephone operator. If this hands-on offering is a key part of your plans, check how it is currently organized before your visit.
Self-guided exploration of salmon farming
The Green Lake National Fish Hatchery Trails offer a self-guided tour. It provides information about the stocking program and a chance to see young salmon. Unlike the seasonal, 45-minute tours at Birdsacre, this offering is self-guided. When choosing, you can therefore consider not only the subject—“Ambassadors” or salmon farming—but also the type of experience you prefer.
Nearby: Branch Lake
Branch Lake Public Forest is located near Ellsworth. Along its three miles of trails, you can experience different types of forest; the trails also follow a stream, lead to a large wetland, and reach the shore of Branch Lake. The forest covers 239 acres. There are currently five marked hiking trails; the number may change as further improvements are made. Check trail conditions before setting out, too.
The Brookside Trail follows a stream toward Branch Lake. A short loop leads to a canoe launch. These details give you two specific points of reference for an outing nearby: a trail heading toward the lake and a short loop as another option. Woodlawn, Birdsacre, the Telephone Museum, and the Hatchery Trails, by contrast, each offer their own nature, culture, or history themes in Ellsworth.
Discover more destinations: East Holden, Surry, Southwest Harbor, Castine, Dedham, Brooklin, Mount Desert, Swans Island
Return to the main travel overview: Hancock.
